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Youth Minister Calls for a Collective Approach to Overcome Challenges Facing Nigerian Youth

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Joel Ajayi 


In a compelling address, the Honorable Minister of the Federal Ministry of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande, has emphasized the need for a collective approach to effectively tackle the pressing challenges facing the youth in Nigeria.

The Minister made this call during a meeting with the Nigeria Youth Futures Fund (NYFF), led by Dr. Onyeche Agbiti Douglas, at his office in Abuja. 

Comrade Olawande outlined a vision for a sustainable framework that not only addresses immediate concerns but also empowers young people through skills development and entrepreneurship programs.

“It is crucial to involve young people in leadership and community roles. We need to address the issue of informal youth being overlooked in favor of their formal counterparts”

“I urge all political and societal entities to prioritize the empowerment of young people, putting Nigeria first. I also call on international organizations, such as UNESCO and UNDP, to support efforts in creating a better future for Nigeria’s youth.”

“There is a pressing need for strategic partnerships that focus on productive and meaningful outcomes instead of superficial projects. We will overcome budgetary constraints to effectively fund youth-oriented initiatives,” he stated.

Ayodele explained that the meeting aims to foster collaboration among all stakeholders, including government officials, NGOs, and community leaders, to create a sustainable environment where young people can thrive.

Dr. Onyeche Agbiti-Douglas, the team leader, emphasized the commitment of NYFF to engage Nigerian youth in current governance processes and future leadership roles. She highlighted both ongoing and upcoming initiatives aimed at empowering young individuals at local, national, and international levels. 

She encouraged youth participation in discussions related to policy, tax reforms, and legislative bills, ensuring they understand these topics and can actively engage in policy implementation.

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Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply Management Advocates Digitisation of Procurement Processes, Rolls Out New Website

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By Joel Ajayi


The Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply Management of Nigeria (CIPSMN) has unveiled a revamped website as part of its broader push to accelerate the digitisation of procurement processes across the country.


The relaunch was announced at the institute’s 16th Annual General Meeting (AGM) held on Wednesday in Abuja, where the North Central Coordinator of CIPSMN, Abdul Mamman, said the initiative would strengthen real-time information sharing, expand member participation and align the profession with global best practices.


Mamman warned that organisations and professionals who failed to embrace digital procurement risked being left behind in an increasingly technology-driven environment.


According to him, the upgraded website is designed to provide members with timely feedback, wider engagement and access to real-time information within and outside Nigeria.
“By adopting digital procurement systems and platforms, we create opportunities to save time and efficiently analyse large volumes of activities involved in procurement,” Mamman said.


“When you are digitalised, your coverage is wider and information is shared instantly. That is why we are relaunching our website—to ensure broader participation and enable every member to access real-time information.”


He added that the institute was positioning its members to meet global standards in procurement and supply chain management through the adoption of emerging technologies such as blockchain, artificial intelligence and data analytics.


Mamman explained that the institute’s objective was to add value to procurement by promoting proper sourcing systems, relevant skills, recognised credentials and practical competence.
He also called on the Federal Government to strengthen procurement governance by inaugurating the National Council of Public Procurement, describing it as a critical policy-making body.


“We are appealing to President Bola Tinubu to inaugurate the National Council of Public Procurement,” he said.


“Once inaugurated, the council will oversee procurement activities and report directly to the President, ensuring greater transparency and accountability.”


In his remarks, the President of CIPSMN, Alhaji Sikiru Balogun, said the AGM provided an opportunity to assess the institute’s progress and outline an action plan for 2026.


Balogun disclosed that a major priority for the coming year was securing presidential assent to a bill already passed by the National Assembly, seeking to amend the institute’s name from Purchasing and Supply Management to Procurement and Supply Management.


“The bill has been passed by both the House of Representatives and the Senate. What we now seek is presidential assent,” he said.


“The name change is to align the institute with global best practices and reflect the true scope of the profession worldwide.”


Also speaking, the Registrar of the institute, Alhaji Mohammed Aliyu, described the 2025 AGM as successful, noting growing recognition of procurement as a critical driver of economic development.


Aliyu said the institute remained committed to promoting professionalism, ethical conduct and best practices in procurement, a sector he noted accounts for a significant portion of the national budget.


He called for stricter professionalism in the sector, lamenting what he described as the encroachment of unqualified “mid-career professionals” into procurement roles.


“This is not ideal and is unethical,” he said.
“Our focus in the coming year is to ensure that the profession takes its rightful place, with qualified practitioners occupying procurement positions in both the public and private sectors.”


Aliyu expressed confidence that strengthening professionalism in procurement would support the economic reform agenda of the Tinubu administration and enhance transparency and efficiency in public spending.

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